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Finger Lakes Effect
A packed week of winter festivals, cozy workshops, and more local events.
Busy, busy, busy!
Jumping right into this week’s newsletter — a last-minute trip popped up after I finished the draft, so the extra goodies will have to wait until next week.
Onward!
The Bulletin
Want to spread the word about your business, project, volunteer opportunity, or give a shout-out to 8,000+ friends in the Finger Lakes? Get in touch.

Steuben Brewing Company - a fantastic spot to grab a beer and take in the view. They source local ingredients and craft great beer, making Steuben a true “must-visit.”
Pine Creek Campground - with camper cabins, RV rentals, and cottages tucked into 42 wooded acres near Ithaca, it’s a great pick for your next getaway.
📅 EVENTS
Top Weekend Picks
Wednesday
We Love Movies: Sweet & Sour Monthly Screening – Wag the Dog @ Bundy Museum Annex Theater (Binghamton) – A free cinephile-friendly screening of Wag the Dog with drinks and community vibes at the Bundy Museum.
Winter Craft Series: Chocolate-Dipped Delights @ CCE–Tompkins Education Center (Ithaca) – A cozy winter workshop where you’ll craft your own chocolate-dipped treats for gifting or enjoying.
Kinky Boots @ Clemens Center (Elmira) – A high-energy, big-hearted Broadway hit packed with sparkle, humor, and uplifting musical theatre magic.
Jazz Repertory Ensemble & Jazz Lab Band @ Ford Hall (Ithaca) – A lively night of big band energy and standout student jazz performances at Ford Hall.
The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon @ Cidermill Playhouse (Endicott) – A hilarious holiday-movie parody packed with cozy romance, big laughs, and classic seasonal tropes.
Thursday
Old Time Music with Pete Thompson & Friends @ South Hill Cider (Ithaca) – Warm, old-time string band tunes in a cozy cidery setting, blending tradition, community, and great vibes.
Harpur Jazz Ensemble feat. Gabe Condon @ Binghamton University (Binghamton) – A spirited campus jazz set featuring guitarist Gabe Condon and the Harpur Jazz Ensemble.
CNY Beer Week “Sweet O” Launch Party! @ ONCO Fermentations (Tully) – A fun CNY Beer Week launch featuring craft-beer ice creams, bourbon blends, and sweet seasonal flavors.
2025 Upcycled Market: Holiday Edition @ Broome County Regional Farmers Market (Binghamton) – A festive, eco-friendly holiday market with upcycled goods, swaps, local makers, and sustainable gifts.
Three Bears Beginner Juggling Class @ Three Bears (Ovid) – A fun, free all-ages workshop teaching beginner juggling and simple circus skills.
Ravines Wine Pairing Dinner @ The Lake House on Canandaigua (Canandaigua) – A refined lakeside evening featuring a seasonal multi-course menu paired with Ravines’ acclaimed wines.
Beers & Brushes @ Seneca Stag Brewing (Penn Yan) – A relaxed paint-and-sip night pairing creative fun with local craft brews at Seneca Stag Brewing.
Science & Suds @ Hopshire Farm & Brewery (Freeville) – A fun brewery lecture series mixing fresh craft beer with fascinating, accessible science talks.
Will & Harper (2024) @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – A heartfelt road-trip documentary exploring friendship, identity, and rediscovery with Will & Harper.
Wine, Music & Fireworks: Gamay Days @ 20 Deep Winery (Honeoye Falls) – A festive weekend blending new wine releases, live music, and a stunning fireworks show with French-inspired flair.
Friday
Almost Queen: A Tribute to Queen @ State Theatre of Ithaca (Ithaca) – A high-energy Queen tribute show delivering soaring vocals, iconic hits, and full theatrical flair at the State Theatre.
Raclette Night @ South Hill Cider (Ithaca) – A cozy, interactive alpine raclette dinner at South Hill Cider—melt-your-own cheese for the perfect winter treat.
November Deck the Halls @ Seneca Lake Wine Trail (Watkins Glen) – A festive wine-trail weekend filled with holiday spirit, great pairings, and scenic Seneca Lake charm.
Justin Swank (Solo) @ Laurentide Beer Co. (Penn Yan) – A laid-back evening of solo acoustic originals from Justin Swank at Laurentide Beer Co.
Digital Dome Show: Arctic: Our Last Great Wilderness @ Corning Community College (Corning) – An immersive 360° journey through Alaska’s untouched Arctic wilderness in a stunning dome show.
Home for the Holidays Kickoff & Lighting Ceremony @ Roberson Museum (Binghamton) – A festive kickoff with a holiday lighting ceremony, cocoa, and over 100 decorated trees at Roberson.
Paint What You Feel Night @ Southern Tier Community Center (Endicott) – A relaxed, expressive painting night where you let emotions guide your creativity on the canvas.
Planetarium | Out There: The Quest for Extrasolar Worlds (Binghamton) – Planetarium show exploring humanity’s search for distant exoplanets and the science behind discovering new worlds.
Movie Night – Freakier Friday @ Newfield Public Library (Newfield) – A cozy community movie night with free popcorn and family-friendly vibes to ease into the weekend.
Puzzled Players Improv Comedy @ Schorr Family Firehouse Stage (Johnson City) – A fast-paced improv comedy night full of audience-driven laughs and unpredictable, high-energy fun.
Passports: Japanese Tea Ceremony with Nanako Horiwaka Mandrino @ Canandaigua (Canandaigua) – A serene Japanese Tea Ceremony offering mindful ritual, cultural tradition, and a globally inspired experience.
Saturday
Ithaca Tibetan Cultural Day @ 315 N Cayuga St (Ithaca) – A vibrant celebration of Tibetan dance, music, food, and sand mandala art for the whole community.
Fire & Ice Winter Festival @ Downtown Canandaigua (Canandaigua) – A world-ranked winter festival with ice carving, fire shows, food, animals, and cozy downtown fun all weekend.
Local First Fest @ Hopshire Farm & Brewery (Freeville) – A festive evening of local shopping, craft brews, food, and music at Hopshire—your pre–Black Friday small-business push.
Tuscan Wine Tasting Dinner @ La Tourelle Hotel & Spa (Ithaca) – A luxurious Tuscan wine dinner featuring Italian vintners, gourmet pairings, and an unforgettable culinary experience.
Artisan Market @ Seton Catholic Central (Binghamton) – A small community artisan market featuring local makers and handmade goods at Seton Catholic Central.
Royal Buds Grand Opening Celebration @ Royal Buds (Trumansburg) – Grand opening celebration with music, food, swag bags, and top NY cannabis brands—fun kickoff vibes in Trumansburg.
Beaujolais Nouveau: Celebrating the Joy of Young Wine! @ Wine Spectator Theater, New York Kitchen (Canandaigua) – Celebrate fresh French wine with tastings, stories, and Beaujolais Day joy in a lively, festive New York Kitchen event.
Hot Wire @ Abandon Brewing Company (Penn Yan) – Live music, craft beer, and scenic hilltop views make this Hot Wire set a perfect Saturday unwind at Abandon Brewing.
Big Night @ Auburn Public Theater (Auburn) – A heartfelt Big Night screening celebrating food, family, and passion—an easy, cozy afternoon at Auburn Public Theater.
Thanksgiving Dinner in a Glass @ Emerald Cocktail Kitchen (Syracuse) – A playful cocktail night turning classic Thanksgiving dishes into creative, seasonal drinks at Emerald Cocktail Kitchen.
Radio Floyd – A Pink Floyd Tribute @ Middle Ages Brewing Company (Syracuse) – An immersive Pink Floyd tribute with big visuals, classic hits, and atmospheric energy at Middle Ages Brewing.
Sip & Stroll @ The Central on Main (Canandaigua) – A fun downtown tasting walk with craft drinks, small bites, and a passport to win prizes.
Sunday
Intoxicated Pairings: Cozy Recipes for Cold Nights @ New York Kitchen (Canandaigua) – Cozy-season cooking meets festive drink pairings in a warm, flavorful holiday-hosting workshop.
Castalia String Quartet @ Phelps Mansion Museum (Binghamton) – An uplifting chamber concert blending Beethoven, Ellington, and modern works inside the historic Phelps Mansion.
People’s Parliament & Community Potluck @ Saint Mark’s (Penn Yan) – A welcoming community potluck with open discussion, guest speakers, and opportunities for local action.
Jazz Social @ Regent Lounge (Cornell University Music) @ The Statler Hotel (Ithaca) – A classy evening of live jazz from Cornell’s award-winning ensembles at the elegant Regent Lounge.
DakhaBrakha @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – A powerful, avant-folk Ukrainian performance blending tradition, rhythm, and soul at Smith Opera House.
Holiday Craft Fair @ Arnot Mall (Horseheads) – A festive craft fair packed with local makers and holiday gifts, perfect for easy one-stop seasonal shopping.
Recurring Events
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Trivia - click here
Kid Friendly - click here
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See You Out There
Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect!
Adam Moody
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